smith



April 13,1926. v Re. 16,318

' E. C. SMITH DRIVE MECHANISM FOR MANURE SPREADERS Original Filed p 1919 ing ns on ,derio'e,

ea Bree qi W vi Reissued Apr. 13, 1926.

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' j iite meta segue ,4,

To "wimp t it may aqncern Be it known thet I, Enues'r 0. S ITH, a citizen of the United States, residing atP w Pewfln the county of Van Bnren and tate of Michigen, hare invented certain new and useful Improvements in Driv," tMe'ohnnisln. forJMenure prea ders, of iwliic the. followingqils a .full, elear, and exact specification,

isiny entionrel tes to a, driving mech anism and is particularly a apted for a'YIne chine in which a source 0 "power 18 to -be connected to and disconnected from the dILVQIl elements of, the machine.

One. of he obi eqt-Ts of the invention is to provide an improved means for connecting the source of power to the movable elements otthe machine. p

A further object is to simplify and improve the construction and operation of such a device, with 2i particular View of mi liinigr n 'em fifths 0 re ire arts ther A ufurt her obile 9 P 3 12 3? a mean .1 gnttgnagtigelly gking the= defies; mss e'. nag; n mops tetiye re" sPe fi 1 y 113 13 an 0. 19 1; of nrgntio o prov de 'in, J gnure e er eh us elvdri s r eket. W. n e l es chain x endin thetfepa t the f rm f ta 1 .09, the ower .ef the Qha Q a a te t be he d t e Whee b a y eldmi h i f e ainv disengaged therefromjto be ield out of en gegement therewith by means acting lndeiidently oit'he rtenslonderice, the chitin gzing' kept taut by said tension deyice ell positio s of adjustment. 7 p I "Briegy stpted, the structure illustrating the i wenti'on comprises an endless driving here, s c as 's e e le mean out of engagement with thedriying member wfch for the purpose offillustretiop is shdwh here n .a'slth r j ing p cket whe e accompanying drawipgs I here s a ed P mhedimentrhi my i e g eets 1 were s eeeelereewl iw r-w i ieeeee' n eee. e1 w. nthem r 1 s? membranesection, of a manure spreader embodying m meme; Y

i 2 an enlarged top plan View of the driv ng mechanism showing the relative po sition ofedjeoent parts; and

i'sflan emerged top plan'detailed View of the toggle tlqonne ction. I The 'inventionis prel ferbly applied to a manurespre ader"10,'-of the general type providedwithlareeepteele115 the usuel' fore carrying 'wheels 12, traction rear wheels 13, endless apron 14 [ope-ratively Connected to the traction 'wheels'13 in any preferred menner. Revarwardly extending from and fixed to the sides of the recepte'cle 11 are two'oppositely disposed supporting beams 15 (one of which isie'shown) on which are journaled a; heater 16 and a distributor 17 positioned adjacent the delivery end of the endless epron 14. The, traction wheels 13 (one of which is shown) are keyedto the shaft 18 mounted on the bearings" (not shown) fixed to the'spreed'er 10. A sprooket 19 is fixed tothe shaft 18 end positioned between one side oft-he Ina ure spreader 10 and one of the traotionwlieels 13; Journaled on the shaft 18fend positioned on'the opposite sides of'the drive sprocket 19 are two collars 20 and 21' which have outwardly extending sprockets 2221116! 23 preferably formed inteml therewith for 'the reception of the link members 24 securedthereto by means of rirets. (See Figs. 2 and 3.) The free ends of the link members 24 are pivotally connected to thelink 25 by ine ans'of a bolt 26. Link 25 is preferably made of two pieces of material 27-'and 28 securely riveted together and eonstructed in such a, manner as to form rod 32 is pivoted to the lever 33 which in turn is pivoted to the manure spreader at 34. The lever 33 is erable within the limits of an arcuate gui e 35 and adapted to lock in one position in the notch 35' as is shown in Fig. 1, when the driving mechanism is in o rative position. Secured to the rear of t e receptacle 11 of the manure spreader 1s a frame member 36 which has a bracket member 37 fixed thereto. Journaled on this bracket 37 and positioned in the plane of the driving sprocket 19 is an idler sprocket 38. To the rear of and slightly above the s rocket 38 is a sprocket 39 fixed to the siiaft of the secondary beater which is journaled on the bracket 40 fixed to a curved supporting member 41, which is securely fastened to the member 36, the beam and to-the side of the receptacle 11. The beater 16 is mounted on a shaft 42 supported in '1. the bearings (not shown) secured to the beams 15. One end of the shaft. 42 is provided with a sprocket 43 and is o peratively connected with the driving sproc et:19 by means of an endless chain 44, which-passes around the sprockets 29, 38, 39 and 43. i

In connection with my invention I have provided a means for retaining a constant tension on the chain 44 when this cha1n s disposed in operative and inoperative positions. This means comprises a support or red 46 which is free to reciprocate through an aperture 45 in the member 36. The rod 46 is provided with a washer 47 which positions a spring 48 centrally with respect to i said rod. 7 Spring 48 is held in position by the washer 47 on one end and a cotter pin 49 at the other end. The forward end of the rod 46 has a 'right-angularly bent por tion50 which forms the bearin for the sprocket-29 on the free end of t e toggle link. The above described mechanism is assembled by inserting the rod 46 in the aperture 45 of the member 36under the tension of the spring 48, which maintains the end less drive chain 44 relatively taut in all positions.

The control for the above described driving mechanism acts independently of the yieldin support just described and comprises t e hand lever 33 which when shifted from full line position (inoperative 'position) to the dotted line position (operative osition) shown in Fig. 1, oscillates the links 24 about their pivots on the driving shaft 18 by means of the connections 31 and 32. As the links 24 are swung about their pivots, the link 25 and sprocket 29 are carried with them to a position in which the endless drive chain 44 engages the drive sprocket 19. These members are locked in this position by means of lever 33 which en ages the .notch 35' with the usual detent .loc (not shown). It will be seen that throughout the shift from one position to another, the drive chain 44, due to the relative position of the sprockets, does not vary in tension to any appreciable degree, but it is also to be noted with the construction here shown that aconstant spring tension is maintained on'the drive chain. It is further to be noted that the drive chain 44 is automatically locked in an inoperative position, or held out of engagement with the driving sprocket 19 by means of the toggle link, as clearly shown in Fig. 1. It will also be appreciated that the toggle construction of the lifting mechanism provides an effective means in the bolt 26 and adjacent forked piece 25 for engaging the lowerrun of the endless drive chain to flex it upwardly and hold it clear of the sprocket wheel 19 in the disengaged position of the chain.

lVhile I have in the above specification described one embodiment which my invention may assume, it should be understood that. the invention is capable of modifications, and that modifications may be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as expressed by the following claims. I 1. In a driving mechanism, an axle, traction wheels supporting the axle and adapted to impart rotation thereto, a driving sprocket mounted on the axle, an endless drive chain positioned in operative relation with respect to said sprocket, and means including a link movable concentrically with respect to said sprocket for engaging and disengaging said drive chain and said sprocket.

2. In a driving mechanism, an axle, traction wheel supporting the axle and adapted to impart rotation thereto, a driving sprocket mounted on the axle, an endless drive chain positioned in operative relation with respect to said sprocket, and means mounted on said axle for engaging and disengaging said drive chain and'sald sprocket. 3. In a driving mechanism, a drive shaft, a driving sprocket mounted on said drive shaft, an endless drive chain positioned in operative relation with respect to said sprocket, andmeans mounted on said drive shaft and comprising a toggle link for connecting and disconnectng said drive chain and said sprocket.

4. In a driving mechanism, an axle, traction wheels supporting the axle and adapted to impart rotation thereto, a driving sprocket mounted on the axle, an endless drive chain positioned in operative relation with respect to said sprocket, and oscillatory means mounted on said axle for engaging and disengaging said drive chain and said sprocket.

5. In a driving mechanism, a drive shaft, a driving sprocket mounted on said drive shaft, an endless drive chain positioned in operative relation with respect to said sprocket, means for connecting and "disconncctin said drive chain and sprocket, a means for maintaining an even tensiono'n. said 'dnive chain in connected and; discontnectedv positions.

6-. In a driving. mechanism, a drive. Shaft. a. driving. sprocket mounted on said drive.

' shaft, an endless drive chain positioned; in,

' sprocket, a toggle link mounted operative relation with respect to. said sprocket, means. for connecting and. (ilSDQBr. necking said drive chain and said sprocket, and resilient. means for maintaining. an, even tension on said; drive chain in allipo'sitions 7. In adriving mechanism, a drive. shaft, a driving sprocket mounted. on said. drive. shaft, an endless drive chain. positioned. in. operative relation with respect to said. on said drive. shaft, and-means connected to. said toggle linkfor maintaining a constant tension. on. said drive chain.

8. In a driving-machanism, a drive-shaft, a, drivingv sprocket mounted on, said drive. shaft, an endless drive chain positioned in. operative relation with respect tov said sprocket, a toggle link mounted on said drive shaft, and resilient means connected. to. saidtoggle-link for maintaining a. constant tension on said drive chain.

9. In a driving mechanism for a manure spreader, a drive shaft, a driving sprocket mounted. on said drive shaft, an endless drive chain positioned in operative relation with respect to said sprocket, means for. engaging and disengaging said drive chain and said drive sprocket, and means for automatically locking said drive chain in a disengaged position.

10. In a driving mechanism for-a manure spreader, a drive shaft, a driving sprocka mounted on said drive shaft, an endless drive chain positioned in operative relation with respect to said sprocket, means for engaginlg and disengaging said drive chain and; 51' drive sprocket, and means including a toggle link for automatically locking said drive chain in a disengaged position.

11. In a driving mechanism top a manure spreader, a drive shaft, a drivingsprocket mounted on said drive shaft, an endless drive chain positioned in operative relation with respect to said sprocket, means for en gaging and disengaging said drive chain and said drive sprocket, and means mounted on said drive shaft for automaticallylocking said drive chain in a disengaged position.

' 12. In a driving mechanism for amanure spreaded, a drive shaft, a drivingsprocket mounted on said drive shaft, an endless drive chain positioned in operative 'relationwith respect to said sprocket, means for engaging and disengaging said drive chain and said drive sprocket, and oscillatory means mounted on said drive shaft for automatically lockmam tion.

13.. In a driving mechani mff r a m ur spreader, @drive shaft, a driving sprocket mounted said; drive shaft, an endless. drive 'chainfpositioned; in. operat ve r lat on with respectto sa d sprocket, a toggle in mounted on said. drive shaft, and reciprocable. means c nnected: to. the e end O said. togg e link for main aining a constant tensionon said drive chain.

14.. In a. driv ng mechani m o A. manu spreader, a drive shaft, a driving splQGket mountedonsaid drive shaft, an endless drive chainpositioned in opera ive r a n wit respect tosaid sprocket, a toggle link mount, ed. on said drive shafit, andv Spring p s d reciprocable means connected to the freeend of said toggle. link or ma nta ning a c n stant tension; on said drive chain.

15. Ina driving-mechanism'for a ma ure spreader, a drive shaft, a drivin sprocket mounted on said drive shaft, an en lessdr-ive chain. positioned in operativc a on wit respect to said sprocket, a toggle link mounted on. said drive shaft, a. splzocket mounted on the free end of said toggle link, and a spningpressed re iprocable rod connecting the free end of saidtoggle link to 'saidmar. nure, spreader for maintaining an even tension on said drive cha n 1.6. In a driving. mechanism, adriveshaft, a driving sprocket mounted on said drive shaft, an endless drivecha n positioned in operative. relation with respect to said sprocket, means foradjusting said chain,and means for maintaining a constant tension on said drive. chain in all positions of adjustment 11. In a driving mechanism, a. drive shaft, a. driving'sprocket. mounted; on said drive shaft, an endless. drive chain. positioned in operative relation with respect to said sprocket means. for. adjusting said chain, and resilient means for maintaining a constant tension'on said. drive'chain in. all positionsof adjustment.

1.8. In a dr ving mechanism-a drive shaft,

a dnivingsprocket mounted on Said drive shaft, an endless drive chaiopos t WQ n operative. relation with respect to said sprocket, means, for adjusting said drive chain, a toggle linkmounted on, said drive shaft, and means connected to said toggle link for maintaining a constant, tension on said drive chain in all positions of adjustment.

19. In a driving mechanism for a manure spreader, a drive shaft, :1 driving sprocket moanted on said drive shaft, an .endJess'drive chain positioned in operative relation with respect. tosaid sprocket, a tog le link mount.- ed on said drive shaft, an% reciprocable means connected to the free end of said togmg said dri e chain in; a. di eng g d posiigle link for automatically locking said drive chain in a disengaged osition.

20. 'A driving mec anlsm for a manure spreader, a drive shaft, :1 driving sprocket mounted on said drive shaft, an endless drive chain positioned 1n operative relation a constant tension on said drive chain and automatically locking said drive chain in a disengaged position. v

21. In a driving mechanism for a manure spreader, a drive shaft, a driving sprocket mounted on said drive shaft, an endless drive chain positioned in operative relation with respect to said sprocket, a toggle link mounted on said drive shaft, and reciprocable spring pressed means connected to the free end of said toggle link for automatically locking said drive chain in a disengaged position.

22. In mechanism of the class described,

, upper and lower gear elements to be driven,

' a swinging arm, an idler carried thereby, a

driving gear element located between the first'mentioned gear elements and the said arm, an idler located above the drivinggea r element, a flexible gear element trained about both of the first mentioned gear elements and the first mentioned idler and having its upper stretch passing beneath the last mentioned idler and its lower stretch extending above the driving gear element and adapted to be moved into and out of engagement therewith by the first-mentioned idler through the swinging of said arm, and a device carried by the swinging arm to engage beneath the lower stretch of the flexible gear element to form a supplemental bight in said element adjacent the idler on the arm as the flexible gear element is withdrawn from the driving ear element whereby dropping of the 'flexi le gear element onto the driving gear element will be prevented.

23. In a spreader, distributin mechanism, a driving sprocket wheel, an en less sprocket chain associated with said mechanism to drive the same extending in a loop past one side of said wheel, a yieldable tension device engaged with said loop and adapted to hold one run thereof against the sprocket wheel and at the same time keep the chain taut in all positions of adjustment, and means acting independently of said tension device for holding the aforesaid run of the loop clear of the sprocket wheel. '24. In combination, a driving sprocket wheel, mechanism to be driven, an endless sprocket chain extending from said mechanism in a loop past one side of said wheel,

a yieldable tension device acting on said loop adapted to hold that run nearest the wheel in contact with the wheel and to maintain the chain taut in all posit-ions of adjustment, and means acting independently of said tension device for holding the aforesaid run of the loop clear of the wheel by flexing it toward the opposite run.

25. In combination, a sprocket wheel, an endless sprocket chain extending in a loop past one side of said wheel, a second sprocket wheel arranged in the end of said loop,

means yieldingly supporting said second sprocket wheel adapted to. hold one run of said chain in engagement with the first mentioned sprocket wheel and to maintain the chain taut in all positions of adjustment, and means acting directly on the aforesaid run of the loop for holding it clear of the first mentioned sprocket Wheel when the chain is in its disengaged position.

26; In combination, two-sprocket Wheels, an endless sprocket chain extending past one side of the first of the sprocket wheels in the form of a loop passing around the second of said sprocket Wheels, a yieldable support for the second of said sprocket wheels adapted to move it in a direction to take up slack in the chain in all positions of adjustment thereof and to hold one run of the chain against the first sprocket wheel, and means acting independently of said support for holding only the aforesaid run of the chain to support the chain clear of the first sprocket wheel.

27. In combination, a sprocket wheel, an endless sprocket chain extending past one side of said wheel in a loop lying in the plane of said wheel, a yieldable tension device acting on the closed end of the loop to take. up the slack in the chain and yieldingly hold one run of the loop in engagement with said sprocket wheel, and an arm carrying means acting directly on said run of the loop and intermediate the ends thereof to hold it away from the sprocket wheel.

28. In a spreader, distributing mechanism, a driving sprocket wheel, an endless sprocket chain associated with said mechanism to drive the same extending in a loop past one side of said wheel, the chain adapted to engage and disengage with the wheel, a yieldable tension device engaging the loop of the chain for holding the chain taut in all positions'of adjustment, and means independent of said tension device for supporting and holding the lower run of the chain at a point intermediately of its ends clear of the sprocket wheel when the chain is in its disengaged position.

In testimony whereof, I affix my signature.

ERNEST C. SMITH. 

